Community Mourns After Teen's Death

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DeAndre Felton was one of the two young males stabbed Friday night in Meriden.

Updated at 10:27 PM EST on Saturday, Sep 22, 2012

Family and friends of a Meriden teen gathered around a makeshift memorial near Midstate Medical Center Saturday; they say their friend, Deandre Felton, 14, died after being stabbed Friday night.

“This is just senseless. It was senseless,” said Melissa Rios.

“[He was] my best friend. I loved that kid,” said Christopher Smith.

Little information is known about what happened on Kensington Ave., Friday. Police said that’s where two teens were found with stab wounds, and then taken to a hospital.

Felton’s friends said he didn’t make it.

Dozens gathered around a makeshift memorial throughout the day to honor their friend’s memory.
Dante Howell said it’s a shame, because Felton played football and had big dreams of one day joining the NFL.

“It’s all right down the drain,” said Howell.

For Christopher Smith, the loss is palpable. Fighting back tears, he told NBC Connecticut about the bond he shared with Felton.

“We did everything together. [I was always] with Deandre,” said Smith.

Smith said his friend wasn’t a troublemaker, and hopes police figure out what led to his death.

“I know there’s nothing bad about him. He wasn’t like that,” said Smith.

The other teen that was stabbed has not been identified.

A vigil for Deandre Felton will take place at Washington Park tomorrow, September 23rd, at 5:30 p.m.